Countrywide security blanket for I-Day

Countrywide security blanket for I-Day celebrations

A tight security blanket has been thrown across the country on Monday for the Independence Day to thwart any terror strike, even as an elaborate ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place in the capital.

With the Union Home Ministry issuing a country-wide alert, states tightened security at sensitive locations and installations to pre-empt any terror attack.

Thousands of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in and around the national capital.

"We have deployed personnel in abundance. We are not taking any chance," a senior police official said.

In Mumbai, the country's commercial hub, the police stepped up vigil at local railway stations, shopping malls, theatres, iconic Gateway of India, hotels like Taj Mahal and Oberoi, Mantralaya and Bombay High Court.

Additional deployment of security forces has been made in Jammu and Kashmir in view of terror alert issued by the Home Ministry about possibility of militants carrying out attacks.

A three-tier security blanket has been thrown around Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of the Independence day function in Srinagar, and other venues in the Valley been been tightened.

Troops along the Line of Control (LoC) have been directed to remain vigilant as army apprehends that militants might try to infiltrate and carry out attacks on security forces and civilians.

Around 40 CCTVs have been installed in and around the Red Fort to ensure incident-free celebrations while sharpshooters of the NSG will be deployed on high-rises near the 17th century Mughal monument.

According to a senior police official, specialised units like Quick Reaction Teams, SWAT and Vajra are being deployed.

An intense vigil will also be maintained on key installations like Parliament complex, international airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and Metro stations.

Besides patrolling of the skies by helicopters, an air defence mechanism will be in place around the venue to thwart any terror attack.